Cloisonné 1890 - 1891

James Henry Moser made this drawing, "Cloisonné," using ink on board. The composition strikes a balance between intricate detail and open space, characteristic of his era. Notice how the objects—the vase, the dish, the flora—are meticulously outlined, their forms defined by crisp, dark lines. The contrast between the dense linework of the objects and the blankness of the board creates a visual tension, inviting the eye to move across the surface. The composition is carefully arranged, leading from the upper left, across the plants, before descending to the lower part of the image. Moser masterfully plays with positive and negative space; the objects and the dark 'C' shape are brought forward, whilst the background recedes. We may think of Ferdinand de Saussure's concept of structuralism. In this context, each element relies on its difference from others. The image invites viewers to contemplate the interplay between visibility and invisibility, presence and absence, ultimately questioning the stability of meaning itself.